The new swine flu is scary, no doubt about it. But here’s the information you need to better understand the illness and the ways you can protect yourself and your family from infection.
Understanding the Swine Flu Virus
Human influenza, or the “flu,” is a viral infection that usually occurs seasonally and is transmitted between people. The viruses are categorized into two major types, A and B, and subtypes, named H and N. The current swine flu is a new type of influenza A virus, H1N1, which has not previously been seen. This strain is unusual in that it appears to be a cross between strains that infect swine, birds and human beings. While this new strain may yet present some surprises, we know a lot about how influenza is transmitted and how to slow or break that cycle.
The main way that influenza viruses are spread is person to person via the respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes. The virus is transmitted when these infected droplets land on the mouth or nose of people nearby or when people touch respiratory droplets on another person or an object, and then they touch their mouth or nose or rub their eyes before washing their hands. Swine flu is not spread by eating pork or other food, and pigs pose little risk of viral transmission.
Protecting Yourself and Your Family from Infection
The bottom line of protecting yourself is to practice good hygiene and avoid coming into contact with the virus.
Keep your hands away from your face or wash them first. Stay away from crowds. Avoid contact with sick people if you can. If you can’t, wash your hands often with soap and water. Be sure to use a paper towel to turn off the faucet handles so as not to recontaminate your hands. The same paper towel precautionary measure applies to doorknobs. If you can’t wash your hands, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
Cover your mouth when you cough and sneeze. Teach your family to do the same and to discard used tissues promptly. If no tissues are available, it is better to cough or sneeze into your sleeve than your hand. They should wash their hands immediately, before they contaminate other surfaces with infective secretions.
Keep ill family members away from others at home and stay at home unless medical care is needed. Masks are most effective when worn by infected people to prevent the spread of the virus, so if you are infected and you must go out, wear a mask to reduce the transmission of infected droplets to others. While masks are not effective against small viral particles that may be airborne, and airborne transmission may occur, large infective droplets are probably a major factor and the one that a mask can best protect against. Wear a mask if you are within six feet of an ill person. N-95 masks must fit tightly to work effectively. Don’t worry if you don’t have an N-95 or a fancy surgical mask. The key to prevention is to keep droplets away from your nose, mouth and eyes. You can use a cloth bandana or similar accessory to cover your nose and mouth. Change paper or cloth masks frequently. (In hospitals, N-95 masks are recommended because of higher exposure rates.)
Seek medical care promptly if you become ill with flu-like symptoms-fever, generalized aches, sore throat, cough, runny nose, vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy-especially if you are having trouble breathing. The antiviral medicines Tamiflu and Relenza are quite effective if taken within the first 48 hours of your symptoms’ appearance. If you are exposed to the new 2009H1N1 virus, you might also benefit from prophylactic antivirals to prevent infection, especially if you have underlying health problems. Check with your doctor.
Warning: Do not give aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) to children or teenagers who have the flu; this can cause the serious and possibly fatal Reye’s syndrome. NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti-inflamatory drugs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Naprosyn, Midol) and acetominophen (Tylenol) are safe to administer for their symptomatic relief.
Remember, staying away from crowds and using good hygiene can help you prevent the contraction of many flu illnesses and give you some measure of reassurance during this flu outbreak.
Dr. Judy Stone is the author of the book, “Conducting Clinical Research: A Practical Guide for Physicians, Nurses, Study Coordinators, and Investigators.” More information on her book can be found at http://www.ConductingClinicalResearch.com
Pandemic Flu Song
